Tapsearch Com Editor'Bong Hits' case: Right ruling, wrong reasoning
June 25th 2007 22:49
I've blogged previously about an Alaska high schooler who, at a parade with his classmates during school hours, held up a banner that said "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." The school principal took the banner away and suspended him, and he sued on First Amendment grounds.
As I said previously, the student has every right to argue against drug laws and even, if he wants, for drug use. But he must do so at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner. The principal did the right thing -- the student acted inappropriately and immaturely.
Unfortunately, that's not the way the case panned out. The Supreme Court says:
In other words, even if it doesn't stop other students from learning, and even if your case for drug use is stated in a scientific and honest manner, you can't say things the principal doesn't like. This is an attack on what you say, not how you say it in a school environment, and it's a shame.
By Robert VerBruggen
As I said previously, the student has every right to argue against drug laws and even, if he wants, for drug use. But he must do so at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner. The principal did the right thing -- the student acted inappropriately and immaturely.
Unfortunately, that's not the way the case panned out. The Supreme Court says:
A principal may, consistent with the First Amendment, restrict student speech at a school event, when that speech is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use.
In other words, even if it doesn't stop other students from learning, and even if your case for drug use is stated in a scientific and honest manner, you can't say things the principal doesn't like. This is an attack on what you say, not how you say it in a school environment, and it's a shame.
By Robert VerBruggen
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